About Us

The City of Wichita initiated its first GIS application in 1992 with the approval of a centerline pilot project, one new GIS staff member, and the endorsement of the use of GIS software by ESRI as the primary GIS platform. The pilot project resulted in the creation of a centerline map and development of a digital aerial photo layer to serve as the base map for the development of a sewer utility (AM/FM) system for the Water & Sewer department.

As other departments became aware of the potential of GIS, so did the need to develop more layers. Little by little, piece by piece GIS has developed over 250 layers. Wichita's GIS became a true Enterprise GIS in 2000 and is utilized by all city departments for analysis and decision-making.

Today, our group has five GIS positions in the IT/IS Department and is responsible for updating and enhancing the efficiency of all GIS base maps and developing web based GIS applications.

Our Mission

​The GIS Applications group develops and updates GIS data layers and applications for use in nearly every City field operation, including Police, Planning, Water and Sewer, Public Works, Fire and the Office of Central Inspection. GIS also coordinates data sharing with Sedgwick County, providing weekly updates to the City GIS databases so that users have the most up-to-date information. Additionally the GIS team provides a Public GIS viewer which allows citizens to view data such as crime occurrences, council districts and many more. It can be found at

What is GIS?

​A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer-based mapping tool used for creating powerful maps that help City decision-makers visualize scenarios, ask complicated questions, solve problems, and develop workable solutions. GIS performs tasks better and faster than the old manual methods on paper, allowing us to increase efficiency and better serve our citizens. Unlike paper maps, a GIS is interactive and allows us to overlay several layers of information, which provides a dynamic analysis tool to assist in considering all aspects before making a decision. GIS is a mapping tool that lets us visually see the answers to our questions.​

Maps

Need a Map?

COW Map Request FormPlease follow this link to request custom maps or GIS datasets maintained by the City of Wichita. Charges may apply.

Public GIS Application

Find your Zoning, Parks, Schools, Council Districts and Flood Zones

The GIS Mapping website offers you the opportunity to learn more about GIS and how you can utilize interactive maps to locate the nearest parks and bicycle paths, find out which council district or school district you reside in, learn about zoning for your residence, view aerial photographs, and much more! Need help getting to know COW GIS Mapping website?​

Find Crimes in your Neighborhood

After opening the application you can go to the Analyze & Report tab, and use the Crime Search tool to find Wichita crime incidents within the last 3 months near addresses, Parks, Schools, or within Council Districts, HOA’s, Neighborhood Associations, WPD Beats, or Zip codes. Also you can print a report of the crimes that are found. The Wichita Police Statistics website also offers you the opportunity to view reports, crime maps, and WPD contact information.